Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo ‘facing uncertain futures at Liverpool’
Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo are allegedly fighting for their long-term futures at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Liverpool are reportedly contemplating parting ways with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in the future.
The pair are currently featuring in an attack that has helped Liverpool sit at the top of the Premier League table and remain active in three cup competitions.
With Mohamed Salah currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt and youngster Ben Doak injured in the long term, they can expect to be named in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XIs on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, neither player can claim to have produced their best form during the current campaign, only producing moments of quality rather than over a sustained period.
Diaz, who had to cope with the trauma of his father being kidnapped in his native Colombia before he was eventually released, has just six goals and one assist to his name from 18 starts and seven substitute outings.
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Meanwhile, Gakpo has eight strikes and two assists from his 16 starts and 10 substitute appearances in all competitions, just three of those goals coming in the Premier League.
While there is scope for both players to make an impact in the second half of the campaign, like Diaz did with a match-clinching goal versus Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday, it appears that they are under increasing pressure to do so.
Speaking on Football Insider’s ‘Inside Track’ podcast, editor Wayne Veysey has suggested that both players are playing for their futures.
Should Liverpool make at least one high-profile attacking addition in the summer, it may result in one or each of Diaz and Gakpo dropping down the pecking order.
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A recent report claimed that Liverpool have quietly been making progress in their efforts to agree a new contract with Salah, who has been the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Nevertheless, with Salah turning 32 years of age in the summer, Liverpool will eventually have to find a younger alternative to one of the best players in their history.
Making an approach for Paris Saint-Germain Kylian Mbappe should he become a free agent cannot be ruled out, while other additions will be considered.
Diaz and Gakpo will both hope to make an impact when Liverpool play host to Fulham in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
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